Friends of injured motorcyclist start fund

May 18, 2013

FALLING WATERS - An annual memorial motorcycle ride earlier this month turned tragic, as an accident claimed the life of two participants and sent another to the hospital in critical condition.

Now, friends of Mark D. Stephens, of Falling Waters, are creating a fund to help his family pay for transportation, lodging and other necessities while they visit their father. Stephens is currently being cared for at the University of Maryland R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, Md.

The day started out wonderfully, said Debbie Long, a participant in the ride. The ride has been held annually for 10 years in honor of her brother, Terry Lee Pannuty, who was killed in a motorcycle accident on Route 11 North, near Falling Waters. Long called the group "family."

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Mark D. Stephens sits atop his motorcycle. Stephens, of Falling Waters, was injured earlier this month during an annual motorocycle ride to honor his fallen friend, Terry Lee Pannuty, who was killed in a motorcycle crash 10 years ago.

"They grew up together, and (Mark is) always on that ride," Long said of the relationship between the two men.

Stephens has three sons. Two are teenagers, living in Falling Waters. The other is in his mid-20s - a newlywed.

Long said the boys travel frequently to Baltimore and need help financially.

"Who's paying the bills? Who's paying for their home?" Long said.

LaRoue Pannuty, Long's sister-in-law, said Kyle, Stephens' 17-year-old son, is a "trooper," and has been doing a wonderful job taking care of his younger brother. Pannuty, who lives in Severna Park, Md., said she has offered her home to the boys, but Kyle is set to graduate next week and wants to stay in the area until then.

"To go through all that and not have your dad there and not have your brother there ... he's an amazing young man," Pannuty said.

The accident has hit the close-knit group hard. Stephens lost his own son, Mark B. Stephens, and future daughter-in-law, Megan R. Daymude. The young couple had a two-month-old child together and were engaged to be married, said Tina Dean, Long's sister.

"They were riding this in memory of my brother, and here they get hurt and lose their life," Dean said. "My heart just breaks for that family."

Feelings of guilt are being shared throughout their circle, the sisters said. While they know the accident isn't their fault, it has been difficult to come to terms with that fact.

"It just makes you feel bad, because if it wasn't for the memorial ride we were having for my brother, they wouldn't have been there," Dean said.

The families are continuously praying together and for one another, especially for the Stephens family, said Carolyn Hite, sister of Long and Dean. It is hoped that contributions to the fund can help ease some of the burden during this difficult time.

"I'm hoping that people will open their hearts up and try to help this family out in this time of need," Hite said.

The fund has been set up under the name Kyle Stephens. Those who wish to contribute can contact the Falling Waters branch of My Bank First United at 304-267-7935.